Thomas Allen Baxley

July 8, 2013

Thomas Allen Baxley, 77, a lifelong resident of the Sardis community, died Saturday, July 6, 2013, with his family by his side.
He was born in Sardis on Oct. 20, 1935, to the late Milton and Eula Pruett Baxley.Â He graduated from Sheridan High School in 1954 and then began a lifelong career in the furniture manufacturing business.
He was a member of the Fairview Missionary Baptist Church in Sardis.
Thomas spent his early days building furniture with Owasso, Jones, McCoy-Couch, and Curtis Mathis Furniture Manufacturing Companies.Â Later in his career, he worked for Bryant and Sherwood Furniture companies.
During all these years, he made many lifelong friends and was known for his incredible work ethic.
In Thomasâ€™ last few years, he showed his love for his family and friends by building them amazing pieces of furniture. He built bedroom suites, baby furniture, hope chests, entertainment centers, and even fabulous treehouses. He could create anything from a pile of lumber.
Thomas was preceded in death by his parents; his wife of 55 years, Jean Caple Baxley; and his sister, Alene Baxley Williams.
He is survived by his son, Tom Baxley and wife Kie of Benton; a daughter, Debbie Curtis and husband Carl of Louisville, Ky.; two grandsons, Bo Baxley and Jesse Baxley of Benton; and two granddaughters, Ashley Broaddus (Steve) of Kentucky and Amanda Alumbaugh (Eric) of Benton.Â He also leaves three great-granddaughters, Sadie, Claire and Carlie, as well as many cousins, nieces and nephews.
A graveside service is scheduled for 10 a.m. Tuesday, July 9, at McPherson Cemetery in Sardis with the Rev. Paul Carter officiating.
Visitation is set from 5 to 7 p.m. Monday, July 8, at Roller-Ballard Funeral Home in Benton.
The family would like to thank Dr. Joe Martindale and Dr. Mark Martindale for their care, advice and friendship, as well as all the wonderful staff and caregivers of Fox Ridge Assisted Living Center and Saline Memorial Hospice House.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Saline Memorial Hospice House, 23157 Hwy. I-30, Bryant, AR 72022.
Online guestbook: www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/ballard.